2012 is a year of natural wonders, from solar eclipses in Australia (somewhere I am passionate about and have 17 years of experience in) and the Western US, to the predicted big display of the Northern Lights.

It's also a big year for anniversary events. April will mark 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic, with events marking the occasion on both sides of the Atlantic and closer to home, how could we forget the forthcoming London Olympics and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee! This will either see people holidaying at home, or there may be an abundance of unsold overseas holidays over this period, going cheap at the last minute!

Value is the key motivator for most travellers in 2012. With Croatia predicted to join the EU in 2013, this is the year to take advantage of the bargains out there to this Adriatic beauty before costs rise in line with the traditional Mediterranean resorts. Staying east both Montenegro and Bulgaria are attracting travellers with their competitive exchange rate, cheap prices and increased flight availability from over 20 UK airports.

Turkey is still doing well, especially for budget conscious families, looking for a high standard all inclusive resort. However, its main competitors are Egypt (assuming the political situation doesn't worsen) and the long haul favourite of Mexico – which again offers high standard hotels as a low cost, all inclusive option but somewhere that offers that idea of something exotic!

Staying long haul, Sri Lanka is a good value destination, which offers authentic experiences with its cultural interior alongside its beautiful beaches and an ever growing selection of high standard hotels. Indochina is the other destination that everyone seems to want to get a piece of. Once a difficult destination to get to and traditionally reserved for backpackers, it is now, a new up and coming destination helped by new direct air routes from the UK and the opening of upmarket hotels – especially in Cambodia.

There is also a strong demand for the traditional Eurozone destinations due to security reasons and the continuing tenancy for Brits to holiday closer to home. Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Italy and France will remain popular choices. Resort costs in Spain are currently predicted to be 40% lower than they were 5 years ago and Cyprus, although quite expensive to get there, is seen to be lowering costs in resorts also.

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